Third-party candidates frustrated with news they may not participate in debates

Published 8:00 pm, Thursday, September 25, 2008

By CHASE WRIGHT

cwright@thestamfordtimes.com

STAMFORD -- Green and Independent party candidates are expressing their frustration upon hearing that no third-party candidate will be allowed to participate this year in any of Connecticut's Congressional election debates sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Connecticut (LWVC).

An e-mail sent to five aspiring candidates Monday highlighted insufficient campaign funds, failure to document positions and insignificant voter outreach as reason for the exclusion.

"The committee made a determination that your candidacy does not meet all of our criteria," wrote the League's vice president, Pat Donovan. "Therefore, unfortunately, we must deny your eligibility to participate in League-sponsored debates during the 2008 election season."